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Introducing Ukraine

Breaking News

2015-02-13
Fighting in Ukraine has killed at least 45 people in the last 24 hours, ahead of a four-way summit in Minsk to thrash out a peace deal. At least 19 soldiers died and 78 were wounded, including five troops in a rocket attack on the east Ukrainian hub of Kramatorsk. Despite peace talks, there is still widespread violence in the Ukraine and all travel to the nation is advised against.
Source - New24

*Since the overthrow of the government in early
2014, Ukraine has been torn between support for the EU and loyalty
to Russia. Crimea is under the control of the Russian Federation,
and much of the eastern Ukraine is struggling with massive unrest
and violence as pro-Russian separatists battle government forces.
Travellers are advised to avoid Crimea and the eastern
Ukraine.

One of the largest countries in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is
situated on the Black Sea, surrounded by Russia, Belarus, Poland,
Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova. It is a popular holiday
destination for tourists from surrounding countries, and is
becoming increasingly attractive to citizens of Western Europe and
North America.

One of the main attractions for visitors to the Ukraine is the
country's rich history, with more than 500 cities dating back over
900 years, and a fascinating assortment of architecture influenced
by its diverse neighbours. Most travellers begin in the historical
capital city of Kiev, arguably one of the most beautiful cities in
Europe, where the ancient streets, striking architecture, lovely
scenery, and wealth of historical and religious sites ensure an
interesting cultural holiday. The early capital of Old Rus is also
enriched with monuments, such as the grandiose St Sophia's
Cathedral, famous for its 11th-century mosaics and frescoes, and
the Cave Monastery, the holy centre of the early Orthodox
Church.

The other major attraction for Ukraine tourists is the natural
beauty of the country, with areas like the Carpathian and Crimean
mountain ranges; the Black Sea and Sea of Asov; and the Crimean
peninsula, a popular tourist haven with its warm climate, famous
resorts, history, and old cities such as Sevastopol and Yalta. The
Carpathian Mountains draw skiers and hikers year-round, and the
region is also popular for its restorative spas and historic sites.
Gateway to the mountains is the city of Lviv, one of the main
cultural centres of the country and a delight to explore with its
medieval old town and distinctive architecture. The harbour town of
Odessa, known as the 'Pearl of the Black Sea', is an established
tourist destination that also serves as the gateway to many of the
famous Black Sea resorts, and is a fascinating city with a
wonderful mixture of cultures and historical architecture.

With a name that means 'borderland', it's no wonder that Ukraine
is constantly in a state of reinvention. Formerly part of the
Soviet Union, the country experienced revolutions in 2004 and 2014
and remains torn between the East and the West. Many visitors find
this identity crisis interesting in itself, but Ukraine is
primarily a worthy tourist destination because of its history and
culture, as well as some thriving resorts.

Cruises on Europe's longest river, the Dnieper River, from Kiev
to the Black Sea coast, is one of the most popular ways to tour the
Ukraine, providing a discovery of Ukraine's history, and its
architecturally rich cities, while cruising the 1,370 mile-long
(2,205km) stretch of river on board ship.

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